Director and actress Asia Argento, Bourdain's girlfriend, released a statement calling Bourdain her "rock" and "protector."

"Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did," she wrote. "His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine."

Argento directed the June 3 episode of Bourdain's CNN show "Parts Unknown" that took place in Hong Kong. She also appeared on an earlier episode in her native Italy.

Friend and chef Eric Ripert, who found Bourdain unresponsive in his hotel room Friday morning and who appeared on several episodes of Bourdain's various shows, shared a photo of the two on Twitter. Ripert wrote in a tweet that his "best friend" was an "exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones."

Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/LbIeZK14ia

Former President Barack Obama shared a photo of himself having a beer with Bourdain in Hanoi, Vietnam, during a 2016 episode "Parts Unknown."

"He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him," Obama wrote.

“Low plastic stool, cheap but delicious noodles, cold Hanoi beer.” This is how I’ll remember Tony. He taught us about food — but more importantly, about its ability to bring us together. To make us a little less afraid of the unknown. We’ll miss him. pic.twitter.com/orEXIaEMZM

"You were so loved, the world is not better without you," McGowan wrote.

"Today" host Savannah Guthrie wrote that she was "heartbroken" about Bourdain's death and shared a photo of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK.

Read more reactions to Bourdain's death below.

Anthony I am so mad at you. You were so loved, the world is not better without you. I have a message for those considering suicide as a solution to a temporary problem. Please call a hotline. Please reach out. Asia needed you, Anthony. We needed you. Please come back. pic.twitter.com/kqOEdJ80h9

Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food. Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123

My friend..I know you are on a Ferry going to somewhere amazing.....you still had so many places to show us, whispering to our souls the great possibilities beyond what we could see with our own eyes...you only saw beauty in all https://t.co/Ltw9HrCBb2 will always travel with me https://t.co/Yv4Ntud6X0

According to AFSP, there are nearly 45,000 suicides every year in the US. Shocking. I was saddened to hear of the deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. RIP. It illustrates that success is not immune to depression. We all need to be more aware of our friends who are suffering

Saw this comment on Facebook in response to #AnthonyBourdain’s death & just want to emphasize that we do not elude pain, depression, mental illness based on status, wealth or perceived quality of life. Let’s gain more understanding & compassion. Struggling? 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) pic.twitter.com/epa84Meo3g

Gutted. Bourdain's show was my favorite thing on TV. Aspired to be him, or at least hold a boom mic for him somewhere really cool. He told stories better than many journalists. Listened to everyone, ate everything. No bias - an open mind, an empty stomach - all the good stuff.

Incredibly sad news about Anthony Bourdain. Sending such love to his family, including his CNN family, who must be hurting terribly today. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, please remember, help is right here: Nat’l Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

As we absorb the shock & sadness surrounding the tragic passing of Anthony Bourdain, let this be a reminder today, tomorrow & always... we need to open our hearts, minds. & spread more love pic.twitter.com/vZC624dNBZ

"We ask very simple questions: What makes you happy? What do you eat? What do you like to cook? And everywhere in the world we go and ask these very simple questions... we tend to get some really astonishing answers" - Anthony Bourdain, via @brianstelterhttps://t.co/smeKbof2YW

This is utterly heartbreaking. Thank you for opening our eyes to parts of the world both cherished and unknown. What a legacy. Sending peace and love to his family. If you or someone you love needs help, please reach out or call 1-800-273-TALK. https://t.co/mkht3wTY5m